The AHPA Insider
Tuesday 25 August 2026

Landmark win for allied health students as Government expands paid Prac Payments

AHPA welcomed last month's announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that the Commonwealth Prac Payment program will be extended to students in ten allied health professions from 1 July 2027, following a national campaign backed by more than 43,000 Australians.

Under the expanded scheme, eligible students studying clinical psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, podiatry, audiology, radiography, rehabilitation therapies, paramedicine and pharmacy will receive up to $338.60 per week while undertaking mandatory clinical placements. The announcement reflects months of advocacy by AHPA and its member organisations, alongside Independent MP Dr Helen Haines and Independent Senator David Pocock, who helped keep placement poverty firmly on the national agenda.

The decision is a significant step towards addressing placement poverty, improving equity and supporting a stronger future allied health workforce. While celebrating this important win, AHPA will continue to advocate for the expansion of Prac Payments to the remaining allied health professions, ensuring every allied health student has the support they need to complete their training without financial hardship.

AHPA responds to passage of NDIS Amendment Bill 2026

AHPA has expressed disappointment following the passage of the NDIS Amendment Bill 2026, noting that many of the concerns and recommendations raised by the allied health community through consultation and the Senate Inquiry process were not reflected in the final legislation. While recognising the need for a sustainable NDIS, AHPA remains concerned about how people with disability will continue to access essential allied health care as reforms are implemented and participants transition to alternative systems of support.

AHPA will continue to advocate for strong safeguards, clear transition arrangements and robust implementation rules to ensure no Australian with disability is left without access to the allied health care they need to function, participate and thrive.

AHPA renews call for National Allied Health Workforce Strategy

Following the launch of Australia’s first National Nursing Workforce Strategy, AHPA is renewing its call for the Australian Government to release the National Allied Health Workforce Strategy. While welcoming the nursing strategy’s focus on workforce data, planning and sustainable careers, AHPA says a clearer national picture of allied health workforce supply and demand is critical as Australia navigates major reforms across aged care, disability and primary care, alongside growing demand driven by an ageing population and increasing rates of chronic disease.

AHPA discusses AI in allied health

Artificial intelligence is being used increasingly across allied health, particularly for clinical documentation and administrative tasks. AHPA recently spoke to Health Services Daily about the opportunities AI presents, the importance of appropriate regulation and guidance, and the need to ensure clinical quality, safety and professional accountability remain at the centre of its use.

Funding available to strengthen your practice's cybersecurity

Hunter New England and Central Coast PHN is offering ten eligible allied health and general practices access to a Cybersecurity Uplift Program package valued at $10,000 (ex GST). The program supports practical improvements to strengthen cyber resilience and enhance the security of existing systems and technology.

The opportunity is open to eligible practices operating within the Hunter New England and Central Coast region. Applications close 11 September.

Digital Health Workforce Census

Conducted every three years, the Census provides important insights to help shape the future of the digital health workforce.